Today we celebrate our freedom. Freedom that has not been free. We have lost sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, mothers, fathers, and grandparents all in the name of freedom. But freedom is not free. We have fought in wars, have lost battles on inner city streets, and have lost rights in the courts. Freedom is not free.

I was looking for famous quotes or speeches made on this day from years past and although there are many, I thought I would share my thoughts of today while sharing a few quotes as well. First I want to look at the word freedom.

Webster Dictionary - the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.

The absence of constraints in choice or action. How many of us can see ways that even in today's world these absences do not exist? I know I can think of quite a few areas where choice is not free.
There are two quotes that I would like to share today. The first is from President Abraham Lincoln and the second from Vice President Dick Cheney.

President Abraham Lincoln: Those who deny freedom to othersdeserves not it for themselves.

Vice President Dick Cheney: It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.

As we celebrate today with fireworks, barbeques, boat rides, beer, and other celebrations let us not forget that freedom is not free. If you want freedom we must fight for it, every day and not always over seas. The freedom of our friends, neighbors, and children comes from granting liberties to them with absence of constraint in choice or action. It means taking back the streets of violence, taking back and gaining the rights of all people, and teaching our future generations that freedom is not free.

We live is an amazing world with amazing people. Fight for freedom and liberty.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate and 5 free items from Sunny Day in Second Grade's TpT store. To sweeten the pot even more, if she reaches 250 followers by the end of the contest, she will pick a second place winner who will also get to choose 5 items of their choice from her TpT store! (I just checked and she has 256 followers now!) Ends Sunday, July 3 at midnight.

First Grade Fresh is giving away a $20 Lakeshore gift certificate. This ends at midnight Sunday, July 3.

The Teacher's Market 100 Follower Giveaway ends July 4. Because it is so close to our country's birthday and celebrating is just in the air right now, she wants to do two giveaway prizes: one lucky winner will get a$20 Target gift card and a second lucky winner will receive the Have Fun TeachingCounting Songs DVD,which has been graciously donated by Have Fun Teaching.

First Grade a la Carte! is giving away a Mother Goose game to everyone free and then is having a giveaway for the rest of her Nursery Rhyme games. Ends at midnight on July 4.

Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to celebrate her lucky 13 followers (which is up to 42 now at the time of this posting). Winner will be selected on July 7.

Adventures in Teaching is giving away a Scentsy teacher warmer. I love, love, LOVE Scentsy and have seen the teacher warmer. I've wanted it so badly, but just never have actually ordered it yet. I would so LOVE to win this!! Ends July 9.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Beth at Primary Connections had one of the most fun giveaways last night. It was a super quick giveaway. She only allowed an hour or two for it. If you found either of her two cats in previous blog posts, you got an extra entry. So clever! I was one of two winners for a $10 TpT gift certificate! That makes 4 giveaway wins in 8 days. I think I need to go buy a lottery ticket. ;)

About Me

Cheree'

I am currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I love to cook and bake. I love to travel.
"The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” - Julia Child